Is it better to grind a stump or remove it?

First, we need to define what’s the difference between the two. Usually, stump removal is done by professionals and is not recommended for home-owners. It usually involves removing the whole stump, including the roots, through the use of heavy-duty equipment. Sometimes the tree's roots have spread all across your yard, and extracting it requires proper planning and equipment.

Stump grinding is a much safer and more accessible procedure for homeowners. Stump grinding also involves equipment like a stump grinder, but its main focus is to shred the remaining trunk of three until no visible part is left. In layman's terms, grinding a stump is essentially shaving off the remaining tree trunk in the ground through ripping or pounding it apart but leaving the tree roots below.

Now, when it comes to answering which one is better, we will say that it depends on the situation as both procedures have their own merits.

For example, the cost of stump grinding is significantly lower compared to removal. Less equipment to rent, less time to do. On the other hand, removal is a much cleaner procedure wherein complete elimination of the stump and the roots are done, resulting in easy replanting on the same spot.

Another factor to consider is the hole each procedure leaves once they’re done. A grinding usually leaves little to no gaping holes in your yard, while a stump removal leaves a gap that is big due to forcefully uprooting the tree's roots.

A big downside to stump grinding to take not often is that the roots left below ground are vulnerable to re-sprouting and decay. Decaying roots is a potential health risk for you and your family. You need to consider this when deciding one hat procedure you will go for/

As you can see, several factors affect the answer to this question. You just have to weigh in the pros and cons depending on the situation you’re facing.

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